Microwaving seeds to induce genetic mutation

[Dennis R. Moore]

On Wed, 30 May 2001 02:06:05 GMT, Night23 <night23 at nightynight.com>
wrote:

>Jeremy, 
>       is there ANY way at all I can cause a random mutation in the
>genetic makeup of a seed using equipment/chemicals at home?  I don't
>want to go the natural selection route selecting for this and that trait
>waiting for something interesting to show up.  It just takes too many
>generations.  I want to mutate a bunch of seeds right off the bat, plant
>them, see what germinates and if its interesting perpetuate that line. 
>
>Of course I know most will either not germinate or be 'sickly' but out
>of a couple of hundred seeds and a few tries, I'm willing to bet there
>will be some interesting mutation in there.
>
>Someone mentioned caffein could temporarily unwind DNA.  If so, will I
>be able to mutate a bunch of seeds if I soak them in warm black
>caffeniated coffee for 24 hrs?  
>
>Please let me know.
>
>Thanks.      

Colchicine, an extract of Colchicum spp. is used to split chromosomes.
It is also prescribed as a treatment for gout. Sorry, I don't know the
treatment protocol for either use.
regards,
Dennis